Walking away, intentionally

Every year I promise myself that I will not make New Year’s resolutions. Why disappoint myself, right? They’ve worked for me for some years, like the year I stopped smoking - cold turkey. Yet, it’s not even Christmas, and here I am about to make a new resolution, but this year, I won’t promise to exercise more or even lose weight (though I need to do both). No, this year, there’s something that’s been on my mind quite a bit lately.

This year I am going to be more intentional. Time is flying by, and if I don’t get serious about some things I want in my life, I might run out of time. So this year, being more intentional is what’s on my list.

What’s this being more intentional all about? Being intentional means focusing on what’s important in your life and what’s meaningful. It’s about being deliberate in your choices.

I want to spend more time with my husband, children and grandchildren. I want to spend more time serving God and growing closer to Him.

I can’t retire yet, and honestly, I wouldn’t if I could. I love, love, love my job here at the newspaper. So how do I find any extra time? One of the first things I’m going to do is plug in my phone on the charger each evening and WALK AWAY FROM IT. Yes, intentionally.

I have an inkling that I spend hours and hours wasting precious time each week looking at Facebook, playing games, shopping, checking the weather, checking work, etc. Those things don’t move me closer to my goal.

In fact, why should I wait until New Year’s? I believe I will “put the paper to bed,” for the week and start my resolution now.

I’m excited to see how much time I reclaim by walking away from my cell phone. Wish me luck. I will update you all soon!